From the Solas Hotel , it’s a short walk to the historic Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, which is adjacent to North Beach Village, sandy beaches and the Intracoastal Waterway. This 1920s 35-acre beachfront estate was the winter home of artists Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett. The plantation-style residence is surrounded by lagoons, gardens, fruit groves, a mangrove jungle, wildlife and a desert garden. Visit the shell museum, orchid greenhouse or just marvel at the artwork, decor, hand-painted ceilings, furnishings and porcelain collection.

Birch State Park also has taken care to preserve rare beach forest hammocks, old palm trees and tropical shrubberies. Visit Birch State Park and rent canoes and paddle around a mile-long freshwater lagoon. Wildlife lovers can hike along two trails and learn about local plants and animals. Skaters and bicyclists can whizz along a paved road throughout the park. Park visitors can even access the beach via a pedestrian tunnel under A1A.

Fort Lauderdale Beach, of course, is miles and miles long! While North Beach Village’s beach is wonderful and most visitors don’t ever wander very far from our seascape, if you’re looking for a picnic area on the beach with tables under palm trees, BBQ, basketball courts, playground and ocean sports, there’s South Beach Park.

Riverwalk Park is a scenic, one-mile linear walkway along the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The brick-lined path links Fort Lauderdale history , arts, entertainment, and attractions such as the Fort Lauderdale History Center, Stranahan House, Museum of Art|Fort Lauderdale, Museum of Discovery & Science and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

If you thrill at the sight of alligators, rare birds, panthers and vast and varied landscapes, visit Everglades National Park. The immense, protected park is accessible from many South Florida points. Hike, bike or airboat your way to an awaiting adventure!

Bring plenty of fluids to any of the parks you choose – even in winter – and don’t forget mosquito repellent (or Avon’s Skin So Soft – SSS) in the summertime.